KOREA ECONOMY IS BOOMING . WHY ISNT PRESIDENT LEE POPULARITY ?

What happened: Korea's economy is described as strong on paper, with exports projected to top $1 trillion and GDP growth forecast at 3.5 percent, yet President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating stands at 35.9 percent. Key numbers: Exports projected above $1 trillion this year. Why it matters: The gap highlights a disconnect between headline figures and household realities, with weak employment, wages and spending weighing on sentiment. Economists cited say expectations about future living standards shape approval more than headline data.

Korea's economy is described as strong on paper, with exports projected to top $1 trillion and GDP growth forecast at 3.5 percent, yet President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating stands at 35.9 percent.

The gap highlights a disconnect between headline figures and household realities, with weak employment, wages and spending weighing on sentiment. Economists cited say expectations about future living standards shape approval more than headline data.